Minister Taf Announces Sophomore Album 'Different'
Different; it’s a word that symbolizes individuality and distinction, attributes that come to life on Minister Taf’s sophomore album of the same name, released on June 30. Produced by longtime collaborators Jvmmie Jae (UK) and DaJourney Production (Canada), the 12-track set is a celebration of our God-designed uniqueness, laced with relatable experiences of the Father’s ever-guiding hand.
“I like to say it’s 12 unskippable songs (laughs), and that’s just Godfidence,” the award-winning artist said. “I do believe it’s a great body of work, and I am super proud of myself. I wanted people to see that I’m different from other artists; I’m in my own lane. I’m Minister Taf - unique and there’s no comparison. The word ‘different’ also means not the same as another, and this album is certainly not the same as my first. The songs, style, delivery, vibe, growth, production and mood - they’re all different, but there’s a message.”
The listening experience is cocooned in self-affirmations, setting the tone for the upbeat album which starts with Never Leave Me, a bouncy record about God’s unwavering love, featuring dulcet singer Fiona Yorke. The sunshine continues with God Keep Guiding, a melodious gratitude journal with groovy sax injections; and Big Up God, an auto-biographical account of Taf’s Christ-steered elevation, from living in a “board house, now mi married, mi have a one spouse”. He further toasts to his wife on Tell Them Fi Low Me, for being by his side through the rough times, it’s also a cautionary track to never envy someone’s success, as their journey, in Taf’s case, could have been riddled with hungry nights, power cuts and packing bags at a supermarket. Taf’s flair for engaging anyone with his lived experiences pervades Secretly Jealous and Sell Yuh Out.
Throughout the project, he speaks to his ‘ride or die’ dynamic with God, which crescendos with Naah Let Go, a heart-tugging declaration of his trust in the Almighty even in the rejections and trials of life. He ups the ante with hardcore tracks like Nuh Talk to Mi, a militant meditation on his mission to win souls for Christ; Bam Bam, a scoff at Satan’s efforts to give him a “Job season”; and Fake King, an anti-idolatry tune which salutes the ‘parting Red Sea’ flexes of the Most High. Between the tears and testimonies lie fun, oozing from the genre-defying title track to Ketch Eh Style, an infectious wave which signals that praise can be fun and purposeful.
Given name Tafari Henry, the singer hails from Reserve and Duanvale in Trelawny, Jamaica, where he attended the Cedric Titus Comprehensive High School. Initially aspiring towards professional football, he found himself writing songs which watered the seeds for a secular career.
Since baptising in 2010 and embracing his life purpose to win souls for Christ, Taf has earned awards from the international gospel fraternity including the 2016 Best Gospel Reggae Act at the British Praisetek Gospel Music Awards.
He released his debut album Life in 2019, a follow-up to his 2016 EP Diversity, and predecessor to his 2021 EP Ena Minyma (A Message).
